The Kansas Department of Alcohol Beverage Control conducted a sting in Barton County last Saturday to ascertain whether minors are being carded to prevent sales of alcohol. Out of the 14 businesses tested, four of them sold alcohol to an underage buyer.
The noncompliance rate in Great Bend was 42.8 percent, and in Barton County, 28.5 percent.
The Barton County Alcohol and Drug Prevention Task Force was dismayed with the results. “We’ve gotten lackadaisical,” said CynDee Christiansen, member of the Task Force.
Both clerks and businesses face fines and legal consequences for liquor sales to minors. No one was arrested last week, but the consequences for selling alcohol are serious. The entity that holds the liquor license is subject to fines from $500-$1,000, and the clerk or server who violated Kansas statute for selling alcohol to a minor can include an appearance in city or county court, according to Christiansen.
She said one of the clerks involved in selling last Saturday has already lost their job, and that in her experience, nine out of ten clerks will be unemployed as a result of such a sale.
The Task Force conducted free training to employees on March 11. They invited 40 businesses to come to the training, but only had nine individuals participate. The Task Force received a grant to reduce underage drinking, and the grant paid for the sting and classes.
Marissa Woodmansee, also a member of the Task Force, said, “It’s a tad bit embarrassing. We hope businesses take it more seriously.” She said ABC Agent Alan Honeyman had done a sting recently in Hays, and out of 40 vendors, one failed.
The Task Force hopes that the county will be more proactive to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.“We appreciate community support,” said Christiansen. “We all have to work together.”
The Task Force will offer two more free training sessions on April 8, from 10-11 a.m. and from 2-3 p.m. at the Community Corrections building, 1806 12th. Honeyman will teach the classes. Call 793-1930 and ask for Christiansen for more information.
Honeyman will go through the laws and consequences of underage liquor sales as well as how to use the age charts as well as other prevention.